Forum Discussion

Executive45's avatar
Executive45
Explorer III
May 16, 2016

Dash A/C ---**** UPDATE ****

I'm aware most dash A/C units aren't worth much, but mine has worked well over the past few years. Last week we used it for the first time this year and it's not cooling very well, if at all. Can a regular A/C place look these over and repair them or do I have to take it to (GASP!) Camping World or a dealer??? Thanks....Dennis

19 Replies

  • Any good AC shop should be able to work on your dash ac system. I had mine gone over with several parts replaced at a CAT service Center last October.
  • Mr. Dennis,

    If you decide not to do this yourself or if you cannot find a good air conditioner shop, take it to Redlands RV and Truck performance center in Redlands, CA.

    I had taken our Dynasty to Colton Truck in Colton, CA, and they could NOT fix the dash air after three attempts. That was a waste of money. Kept saying it was s different problem.

    Took it to Redlands RV and they fixed it the first time and it continued to work until we sold it (at least three years of good use).

    I know it might be a drive for you but getting something done right the first time is worth every penny. They have done several things for me, like putting the SMI Air Force One system on the Honda and the base plate. They also installed the fuse cut-off switch very professionally. I had them adjust our driver's side slide once and they also took care of an oil and filter change.

    I also had them install a MCD driver-side 'soft-close' shade that had a perforated shade and a solid black-out shade. Wish I had done that change when the Dynasty was new. All we had was a perforated shade that took two hands to operate (manual).

    I would use Redlands RV again but they are not a Prevost chassis shop. That shop is in Beaumont, CA, not far from Redlands. :)

    Good luck,
    MM.
  • Gjac's avatar
    Gjac
    Explorer III
    Before you take it in, see if you see any oily spots at switches, or line junctions. When mine failed I ended up replacing a trinary switch and just added 134 from an auto parts store. Good Luck.
  • Dennis,

    I know there's a lot of difference between my Jeep and your MH, but give this try. Like you, I don't need the A/C during the winter, but if I don't use it some, the controls freeze up - get stuck. When I picked up the Jeep down in Vancouver, WA on a hot day this spring, sure enough the controls were stuck on heat from last fall when I put it in storage.

    We drove from Vancouver, WA to Omack, WA with the heat on and the windows down. After two days, the controls broke loose again and everything works fine. When it's not in storage, I use the air a couple times a week in the winter to keep them free. That didn't happen in storage. So play with the controls for an hour or so.

    Bill
  • I see you have a later RV and it should use R134a refrigerant so yes, about any good shop should be able to service it. Parking and rain may be the only problem.
  • darsben wrote:
    ANY A/C shop should be able to take care of you quickly.


    Agreed. Given the size of your vehicle, call or drop by in advance to arrange where they want you to park. Probably good to scout the entrance and exit anyway.

    Matt B
  • Have you clamped off the heater lines to make sure that you don't have a water valve leaking hot water in to your AC coil?
  • ANY A/C shop should be able to take care of you quickly.